Evolution / Genetics / Biology

Roman necropolis emerges from the excavations of Florence tramway

The remains of a huge necropolis dating back to the 1st century AD have emerged from the archaeological excavations that are running parallel to the works for the new tramway lines in Florence.

Credit: La Repubblica

The area in which the discoveries were made is very large and extends from the spaces around the current railway station, in Via Valfonda to the most northern part, reaching as far as the boulevards.

Credit: La Repubblica

Under Via Valfonda, a skeleton dating back to the first century AD was found, with dozens of vases and oil lamps. Other skeletons with their funeral goods have been discovered between viale Redi and viale Belfiore.

Credit: La Repubblica

"They were probably influential characters, given the richness and quantity of the objects with which they were buried," explains archaeologist Andrea Pessina.

Credit: La Repubblica

From the depths of Piazza Adua, again in the area of the station, there have emerged the remains of "a large room, with huge jars, which could prove to be the equivalent of a modern dyeworks and in Piazza dell' Unità, parts of a domus, then probably transformed into a craft workshop", adds archaeologist Monica Salvini. "These vestiges probably also date back to the first century after Christ."

The intention of the Superintendency is to exhibit the findings in an exhibition.